Frank David Magdziarz, 60, of Willow River, passed away March 9, 2009 at his home. He was born September 22, 1948 in Moose Lake to Frank A. and Rose (Wojtysiak) Magdziarz. Frank graduated in 1966 from Willow River High School and went on to the University of Minnesota-Crookston, graduating in 1970 with a degree in Forestry. He was employed by the Willow River School District for the last 30 years as a bus driver. He took great pride in the work he accomplished, which included preparing the football and softball fields for the home games. Frank also umpired MSHSL softball and baseball for 29 years as well as ASA softball. Frank was an avid fan of any sport. He played softball for Annie's Bankers for 26 years and also for the Old Timer's League since age 30. His true love was anything to do with the outdoors, whether it be hunting, fishing or walking in the woods. He loved his hunting trips to Wyoming and Colorado and all of the trips to Canada chasing the "big one that didn't get away". He was extremely proud of his 10 point buck that he bagged in 1998 which hangs on the wall. Frank was a member of the Willow River Fire Department for many years.

Frank was preceded in death by his father in 1997; twin granddaughters, Hannah and Mya Bonk in 2000.

Frank is survived by his partner of 27 ½ years, Vickie Whitehouse of Willow River; step-children, Kjersti (Ted) Sarvela of Willow River, Kara Whitehouse of Andover and Kenneth Whitehouse of Willow River; 1 special grandson, Karsin Whitehouse of Willow River; mother, Rose Magdziarz of Sturgeon Lake; 1 brother, Edward (Darlene) Magdziarz of Finlayson; 3 sisters, Joanne (Terry) Prachar of Moose Lake, Dianne (Mark) Dobosenski of Duluth and Rosalie (John) Rothstein of Grand Rapids; 6 nieces; 7 nephews; many friends and relatives.

A Memorial Visitation was held Monday, March 16, from 5 PM to 8 PM with a Rosary Service at 7:30 PM in Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake and will continue Tuesday, March 17 from 10 AM until the 11 AM Memorial Service in St. Isidore's Catholic Church, Sturgeon Lake with Father Timothy Deutsch officiating.

Honorary Bearers were the Willow River Fire Department, First Responders and Frank's Hunting Buddies. Spring Inurnment will be in Sunnyside Cemetery, Willow River. To sign the guestbook online go to www.hhkfuneralhome.com Arrangements are with Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.